All Chapters of Alpha's Regret: The Forsaken Luna: Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

Rhiannon's POVThe morning we left, Soren wouldn't stop asking questions."How far is it? Will there be other kids? What if they don't like me? What if—""Three days' travel. Probably. They won't meet you. And breathe, little wolf." I adjusted the pack on my shoulders. "You're staying hidden, remember?"His face fell. "I wanted to see the packhouse. See where you grew up.""You'll see it from the windows. That's enough." I knelt to his level. "This is dangerous, Soren. The moment anyone realizes you're my son, they'll start asking questions. Questions that lead to your father.""I know." He kicked at the dirt. "I just—I wanted to see it. The place you came from."My heart ached. "I know, baby. But safety first. Always."Thirty Silver Claws assembled in the clearing. Full battle gear, weapons gleaming, faces hard.We looked like an army.Because we were.Marcus fell into step beside me as we began the march. "Last chance to back out.""I'm not backing out.""Your hands are shaking."I

Rhiannon's POVDawn broke cold and gray.Final day of travel.I woke with my heart already racing, hands trembling as I packed my bedroll. Around me, the Silver Claws prepared in silence—they could sense my tension, knew today was different."Mama, you're shaking." Soren appeared at my side, concern etched on his small face.I looked down at my hands. He was right. They trembled like leaves in a storm."Just cold, baby.""No, you're not." His gray-amber eyes—so much like his father's—studied me too closely. "You're scared."Smart child. Too smart."A little," I admitted. "But being scared doesn't mean we don't do what needs doing."He nodded solemnly, accepting this, then ran off to help Sera break down the camp.Marcus approached, already in his armor. "Last chance.""Stop offering me last chances." I forced my hands still through sheer will. "We're going. That's final.""Your hands tell a different story.""My hands don't command the Silver Claws. I do." I met his eyes. "I'm fine, M

Rhiannon's POVCade pushed open the war room doors.The air left my lungs.Darius stood at the head of the table, bent over maps and reports, his back to us.Five years. Five years since I'd seen him, and even from behind he looked—different.Thinner. The ceremonial Alpha robes hung loose on shoulders that seemed to carry impossible weight.But my body remembered him anyway. Five years of distance, and my traitorous heart still stuttered at the thought of seeing his face."Alpha," Cade announced. "The Phantom has arrived."Darius went still.Then slowly—so slowly—he straightened and turned.Our eyes met across the room.The world stopped.He looked exhausted. No, worse than exhausted—hollowed out. Dark circles shadowed eyes that had once burned bright. His jaw was rough with days-old stubble. New lines carved his face, aging him beyond his years.He looked like a man being eaten alive from the inside.For one heart-stopping moment, I thought he'd recognize me. Thought those storm-gray

Rhiannon's POVThe eastern border was exactly where the attacks had been concentrated.I crouched in the underbrush, Marcus to my left, Sera to my right. Behind us, five Silver Claws waited in perfect silence. And beside them—unfortunately—six Crescent Moon warriors led by their Alpha.Darius had insisted on joining the first patrol. "To coordinate our forces," he'd said. More likely to make sure we weren't stealing from his pack stores."Movement," Marcus whispered. "Eleven o'clock. Three targets."I saw them—rogues, circling through the trees with the practiced ease of wolves who knew this territory. Too practiced. They'd been here before. Multiple times."The spy gave them patrol routes," I murmured, keeping my voice pitched low and rough. "They know exactly where to strike."Beside me, Darius tensed. I felt rather than saw his reaction—the way his body coiled for action, the slight intake of breath.Five years ago, I would have known every micro-expression. Now I had to guess."H

Rhiannon's POVThe war room was packed.Not just Darius and Cade, but the entire council—twelve elders who'd sat in judgment over pack matters for decades. Some faces I recognized from five years ago. Elder Thorne, who'd always looked at me with contempt. Elder Moira, who'd at least had the decency to look uncomfortable during my rejection.And standing beside Darius, wearing a gown that probably cost more than my entire arsenal—Isolde.She looked exactly as I remembered. Tall, blonde, perfect. Ice carved into the shape of a woman.My replacement."Phantom." Darius gestured to the empty chair across from him. "Thank you for joining us."I remained standing. "I prefer to stand during tactical discussions."A flicker of annoyance crossed his face, but he nodded. "As you wish. We've gathered the council to discuss our defensive strategy moving forward.""Defensive." I moved to the map, studying the red marks indicating rogue attacks. "That's your first mistake."Silence fell like a stone